Hi there, Craig!
Thanks for visiting us at the Disney Parks Moms Panel with this great question! I am a big fan of the
Disney Dining Plan and have found it adds a lot of value and convenience to our
Walt Disney World Resort vacations. However, it's important to make sure it makes sense for your family.
I think the decision comes down to how you plan to dine throughout your trip and how you like to budget for your vacation. I've found that if you plan to have Character Dining experiences and enjoy Table-Service meals, the Disney Dining Plan is a safe bet. If you plan to eat mainly at Quick-Service dining locations and have one Character Dining experience, it is probably better to pay out of pocket as you go. In terms of vacation budgeting, I love being able to pay for the Disney Dining Plan in advance. I appreciate the convenience of not having to think about the cost of our meals while we are on vacation. For me, it's easier to think in terms of dining credits, especially because my family enjoys Character Dining experiences and Table-Service restaurants! We also enjoy all of the wonderful snack options at Walt Disney World, and my kids love knowing that they can choose one snack each day!
Quick Tip: I highly recommend
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Epcot if your daughter would like to dine with Disney Princesses; it's a favorite of my three daughters!
I hope this helps to give you a few things to consider when deciding on whether to purchase the Disney Dining Plan. No matter what you decide, you are going to have wonderful dining experiences at Walt Disney World!
Wishing you and your family many magical memories!
Erin